Review + Author's Interview: When a Lady Dares (Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service #2) by Tara Kingston

Synopsis

Sophie Atherton knows a liar when she sees one. Perhaps because she’s so skilled at deception herself. Searching for clues to a string of mysterious deaths, the secret operative for the Crown has connived her way into a phony medium’s confidence. When a dashing archaeologist seeks out the charlatan’s services, Sophie suspects he’s after more than a long-lost heirloom. Their electric attraction storms her defenses, but loving the rakish scholar would threaten her investigation and the life she’s crafted.

Gavin Stanwyck is a man on a mission. Masquerading as a treasure hunter to trap the spiritualist, he's drawn to the medium’s enigmatic assistant. As treacherous forces close in, passion awakens his hardened heart—he’ll protect Sophie at all costs, but he cannot give her his love. Uniting to survive a sinister plot, they must tear down their defenses and learn to trust their hearts.

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Review

I loved it, it's full of mystery, and romance. One of the most interesting historical fiction I have read in a while, it's quite engaging story.

Sophie is working undercover. This is her first assignment full of real dangers. She must uncover what's going on in London, after few unexplained deaths it has become of utmost importance to find out the truth. And that's why she is pretending to be a medium. She is good at her job. She is resourceful and can take care to herself in any difficult situation. Although will she be able to stay alive this time is another question because this time the danger is more real than ever.

Gavin is devastated to learn about the death of one of his associates. He was a good man and didn't deserve to die the way he did. So he decides to investigate his death, and that leads him to Sophie. A woman pretending to talk to the dead. Gavin doesn't believe her even for a second and now he more determined than ever to learn the truth about what has been going on here. Unfortunately, he has no clue that his investigation will put him directly in the path of danger.

Sophie and Gavin are perfect for each other. They both try to protect the other. Along the way they fell in love. But will they ever uncover the truth? If not then will they be able to stay together when there is so much they must hide from each other? It's very intriguing story of deceit, murder, mystery, and romance. I quite enjoyed reading it.

Interview with Tara Kingston

Thank you for inviting me to your blog. It’s a pleasure to discuss writing with you.

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a young child. My mother gave me a Smith Corona manual typewriter when I was in the third grade and I wrote my first short stories on it.

2. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

When I’m writing, I’m much more productive if I’m listening to music. I love to listen to artists such as Adele, Lady Gaga, and the Beatles when I’m writing.

3. As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?

When I was a young girl, I wanted to be a teacher and a writer. I’m happy to say that I achieved both of these goals. I taught school for years, and now, I’m writing…yay! I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to pursue these dreams in my life.

4. Where do you get your ideas, or information for your books?

I love historical research. Even when I was in school, I loved writing research papers, unlike many of my peers. I could while away hours in the library, which was one of my favorite places to be. Now the internet puts so many resources at our fingertips, only a few clicks away—such a wonderful resource. While I use a variety of online sources for historical research, I also love reference books. I have a collection of books on history, Victorian life, Scotland, and London in the late Victorian era.

5. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

When I’m not writing, I’m eager to be outdoors. My husband and I enjoy long bike rides, hikes through the woods, and lazy beach days. I’m also a football fan, and I’m a movie buff who loves comedies and adventures, but I detest sad movies.

6. I have read your historical romances so I was wondering is this your favorite genre to write in? If so then is there any specific reason?

Historical romance is definitely my favorite genre of romance because there is a sense of exploring another time and place in historical romance. I especially enjoy Victorian romance. It was an exciting time of change for society and advances in technology, a time when societal roles were changing and expanding.

7. I recently read your book When a Lady Dares, I adored Sophie's character. She is smart, courageous, and very resourceful. What kind of female characters you prefer to write and/or read about?

Thank you so much. I loved Sophie in When A Lady Deceives and enjoyed writing her own journey to happily-ever-after. I love to write and read about smart, spirited heroines like Sophie. My favorite kind of heroine doesn’t passively wait to be rescued. In addition, I enjoy writing heroines who are vulnerable to the hero’s charms, but are predominantly drawn to qualities in the hero’s character, not just his muscular biceps and broad shoulders. She sees through his outer persona to what’s in his heart and falls in love with the true man.

8.  What do you think makes a good story?

To me, a good story draws the reader in and makes the reader root for the characters. I am a huge fan of Raiders of the Lost Ark— to me, that’s a wonderful example of a great story. I rooted for Indiana Jones and Marian to survive the dangers they faced and to find their happiness together.

Thank you again for hosting me today. If readers would like to learn more about me and my books, please visit my website at www.tarakingston.com. Happy Reading!